May at the University of Mississippi Museum | View in browser
MAY 2021
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Warmest of greetings from the Museum, where I’m sitting in my office on one of the most exciting days of any academic year, Commencement 2021. Reflections on this particular day give me the opportunity to mention here the many University students who make our Museum a success by their manifold contribution across several departments, whether as volunteers, student workers, interns, or graduate assistants. Each calendar year as many as 30 University of Mississippi undergraduate and graduate students fulfill key functions while concurrently MORE...
COVID-19 STATUS UPDATE
Museum Galleries & Exhibitions are Open to University Faculty and Students by Appointment
The University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses is committed to the safety of our visitors and staff through these uncertain times. Both sites, Rowan Oak and the museum’s galleries, will remain closed to the general public until further notice. However, the grounds of Rowan Oak and the Bailey Woods Trail are open daily from dawn until dusk. We ask that any visitors practice appropriate social distancing while on the property.
To stay up-to-date with the University’s ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic, please visit coronavirus.olemiss.edu
WELCOME
Meet Rachel Hudson, new
Assistant Curator of Rowan Oak!
Hudson, originally from Virginia, has called Oxford home since receiving her BA in English from UM in 2017. Growing up as an Army brat, she has now lived in Mississippi longer than anywhere else before. Other interests/accomplishments include: spoiling her cat Jinx,
and being a World Championship Irish Dancer in high school (who also once got to perform for President Obama in the White House.) Rachel is excited about this new beginning, "I look forward to being
a part of the future of Rowan Oak. I hope to continue to preserve Faulkner’s legacy and educate and inspire the public." Bill Griffith, Curator of Rowan Oak, is excited to have Rachel on board, "I'm thrilled that Rachel is going to be working with me at Rowan Oak. Her enthusiasm and intelligence are felt and appreciated by our colleagues and visitors."
Welcome, Gracie Mauldin, the University Museum's 2021–2022 Museum Education Graduate Assistant!
Gracie is from Laurel, Mississippi and recently graduated from the University of Mississippi with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. She has been involved with the University Museum as an education intern and volunteer since 2018 working as a lead teacher for countless museum education programs as well as a presenter of our Traveling Trunks. Gracie is furthering her education through the University of Mississippi School of Education Graduate School, pursuing her M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction. "I am so excited to return to the University Museum this fall as I grow in my education and career with the graduate assistant program! Hotty Toddy!"
FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
Bring the UM Museum to your classroom virtually today!
With our new virtual option, teachers and students
can experience our Traveling Trunks from anywhere! We will prepare
teachers for the virtual presentation by sending a list of necessary
supplies and the corresponding trunk lesson plan. Each Traveling Trunk is filled with art, history, and culture found at the museum.
Say hi to Mosey! Find out how here.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
The Speaking Image highlights commercial art from the Museum’s permanent collection. Commercial artwork is typically commissioned and meant for mass printing and consumption, with the goal of illustrating or enhancing a message or story. MORE…
Southern African American quilts are one of the purest forms of southern
folk art. It is a craft handed down for generations, often done
communally, that represents family, region, and the love of its maker/s.
Born from necessity, where resources are limited, it is a way to reuse
scraps of cloth. MORE…
Southern Folk Art is our second largest collection, largely due in part to generous donations by Dr. Bill Ferris and the Study for Southern Culture. These selected works exemplify the diversity and intuitive spirit of this genre. This exhibit also celebrates the ten-year anniversary of the Hattie Mae Edmonds Gallery; established in 2010. The Hattie Mae Edmonds Fund supports the exhibition, acquisition, and care of Southern Folk Art and was created by Mike Edmonds and friends.
Image above: Untitled, 1975, by Jesse James Aaron.
Check out the virtual exhibit of Theora Hamblett's Dreams and Visions series. Watch a video interview with Theora and find out more about these paintings which she considered to be her most important work. MORE ...
Image above: Angel's Request #2, 1956, by Theora Hamblett.
Follow the Museum on social media to learn more about artists from our permanent collection, important milestones, and celebratory days!
FOR EVERYONE
Watch this delightful 1975 Mississippi Public Television interview of Theora Hamblett by famed famed potter, Lee McCarty.
The Beautiful Mysterious: The Extraordinary Gaze of William Eggleston, co-published by the University Museum and University Press of Mississippi, is an examination of the life and work of William Eggleston. Widely considered to be the father of color photography, Eggleston helped establish the artistic medium and has inspired photographers and artists around the world.
MEMBERSHIP
Being a member provides you with the special distinction of being part of a dynamic group of supporters of the University of Mississippi Museum and Rowan Oak. Now its easier than ever to become a member or renew a current membership online!
BAILEY WOODS
Even though both Rowan Oak and the University Museum are currently closed to the public, the Bailey Woods Trail remains open from dawn until dusk daily. We ask that all trail visitors practice appropriate social distancing while enjoying this National Recreation Trail, which connects the two sites.
Get the Memphis Flyer at the Museum!
To arrange receiving a copy in this period, please contact our Director Robert Saarnio, at 662-915-7202.